Pylon
Pronunciation: PY-lon
The structural shaft or tube connecting the socket to the terminal device or foot in a lower-limb prosthesis.
Full Definition
In prosthetics, a pylon is the load-bearing connector — typically a metal or carbon fibre tube — that links the prosthetic socket to the prosthetic foot or knee unit in a lower-limb prosthesis. Endoskeletal (modular) prostheses use an exposed or foam-covered pylon, as opposed to exoskeletal (crustacean) prostheses, which use a rigid outer shell. Editors should be aware that 'pylon' in prosthetics has a specific structural meaning distinct from its general architectural or aviation usage. The term appears frequently in device prescription lists and technical specifications.
Usage
Usage note: In prosthetics, 'pylon' has a specific structural meaning. Do not use generically or substitute with informal terms such as 'pole' or 'rod' in clinical documents.
In Context
- "The technician adjusted the pylon length by 5 mm to correct the patient's leg-length discrepancy." — Prosthetic workshop technician's log
- "The itemized prescription listed the titanium pylon separately from the prosthetic foot component." — Prosthetic device prescription form